Language development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Language development - Essay Example The next stage the infant goes through usually takes place between seven months of age and one year. This stage is when the child is learning to recognize his/her name, will listen when spoken to, recognizes that certain words have certain meanings (ie; ball, food etc.), and responds to requests like "come here". The toddler is also beginning to learn the vocabulary and concepts necessary for reading. This stage is when the infant uses one and two words at a time and attempts to communicate more with non-crying responses (ie; words) than in earlier stages of development. Just as there are varying times in an individual child's life for each stage, there are also many factors that affect their language development. These factors can include; other skills the child is working on, how parents respond to the child's attempt to communicate and the amount and kind of speaking the child hears on a consistent basis (http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/lang_lit.htm). Other factors can be whether the child is hearing more than one language in the household. The next factor to consider is when a parent responds to a child's attempts to communicate with indifference. The child can respond in kind, quickly learning to become indifferent himself.

Watersheds from Anacostia River in Washington DC to Chesapeake Bay Essay Example for Free

Watersheds from Anacostia River in Washington DC to Chesapeake Bay Essay Among many watersheds in Maryland District, the following are the noted ones which flow from Anacostia river in Washington DC to the Chesapeake Bay: Anacostia River Watershed, Mattawoman Creek Watershed, Potomac River, Middle Lower Tide Watershed, Piscataway Creek Watershed, Nanjemay Creek Watershed, Gilbert Swamp Watershed, Port Tobaco River Watershed, Zekiah Swamp Watershed, Wicomico River Watershed, Breton Bay Watershed, St. Marys River Watershed Anacostia River Watershed The Anacostia River watershed comprises of the Northease Branch, the Northwest Branch, and the Tidal River and is 176 square miles in area. Also it has 13 sub-watersheds in southeast Washington DC, Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties. The tidal Anacostia River flows 8. 4 miles through Washington, DC to join the Potomac River at Hains Point. The Anacostia Watershed is home to over 800,000 residents of Maryland and Washington, DC. Anacostia River water suffers from Wetland loss, deforestation, and urbanization. About 23 percent of the watershed area is impervious. Urbanization is dense on the east and west banks of the tidal river in Washington, DC, where more than 70 percent of the land is covered by impervious surfaces. Anacostia Watershed Restoration Committee (AWRC) is responsible for the ecological and economic importance of the river. All water runs downhill. Charles County is located in eight different watersheds including Nanjemoy Creek, Gilbert Run Swamp, Mattawoman Creek, Patuxent River, Port Tobacco River, Potomac River, Wicomico River and Zekiah Swamp. Mattawoman Creek Watershed Mattawoman Creek Watershed is a shallow tributary of Lower Potomac located in Prince Georges and Charles Counties. The total non-water area of this watershed is 60,300 acres. The Mattawoman Creek watershed is protected by forested lands. It supports a world class fishing industry. Mattawoman watershed contributes to biodiversity. About 5,900 acres are protected land and park land. A portion of the watershed is listed as impaired for nutrients and sediments. Piscataway Creek Watershed Piscataway Creek is a tidal tributary of the Middle Potomac River. The total non-water area of this watershed is 43, 579 acres. The drainage area is 39. 5 acres. Piscataway creek enters the Potomac river at Fort Washington. Piscataway Creek originates in the west and east of Andrews Air Force Base (AFB) in the vicinity of Camp Springs, Clinton, and Woodyard. On the southwest side of Andrews AFB, two branches join to form Tinkers Creek, a major tributary to Piscataway Creek. Surface water flows into Tinkers Creek, to Piscataway Creek, and eventually to the Potomac River. The watershed can be characterized as residential and forested. The density of population is high in the northern region. The source of potential microbial loading is from failing septic systems. The southern region is much more forested and agricultural than the northern region, with encroachment of rural development. Nanjemay Creek Watershed The Nanjemay Creek Watershed is a Tributary of Lower Potomac River. The total non-water area of this watershed is 46, 603 acres. The Nanjemoy Creek watershed is mostly of forest with 90% forested area within 100 meters of streams. About 10% of land in Charles County is cropland with approximately 2% harvested for corn or sorghum. The extent of potential atrazine exposure to riparian areas of Nanjemoy Creek is minimal. The types of riparian areas in the Nanjemoy Creek watershed are not sensitive to atrazine exposure. Therefore, the potential effects to riparian areas and dwarf wedge mussels are insignificant. Gilbert Swamp Watershed The Gilbert Swamp Watershed is a tributary of Lower Potomac River. The total non-water area of this watershed is 27551 acres. Port Tobacco River Watershed Port Tobacco River is a tributary of Lower Potomac. The total non-water area of this watershed is 28076 acres. The Port Tobacco River is approximately eight and a half miles long, originating from St. Charles City and joins the Potomac River. The river has navigable waters rich in fish and wildlife, and safe to visitors who come for swimming, water sports, hunting and fishing. The river is of historic importance because it provided access and residence to the first Maryland settlers. Port Tobacco River Watershed is home to bald eagles, blue and gray herons, osprey, deer, etc and other wildlife. The Port Tobacco River has excessive nutrients and suspended sediments. The water is murky and sub aquatic vegetation is disappearing. Also the shellfish population is greatly reduced. The ecological problems are serious, however the biological condition of the River is considered much worse. Significant toxic algae blooms and fish kills were observed in 2002 and 2003. It was a potential public health hazard due to the water and sediments of the river and its watershed. Potomac River Middle Lower Tide Watershed The Potomac River estuary extends for 117 miles from its mouth. Lookout on the Maryland side and Smith Point on the Virginia side, to its head-of-tide located approximately 0. 4 miles upstream of Chain Bridge in the District of Columbia. The surface area of all tidal waters, including Potomac River and the tidal Anacostia River, is about 434 mi2. The Lower Tidal watershed is impaired by nutrients, sediments, toxics, bacteria, and it impacts the biological communities. The Potomac River Middle Tidal watershed is impaired by nutrients, sediments, toxics, metals, Copper, and Lead, and it impacts the biological communities. Zekiah Swamp Watershed The Zekiah Swamp watershed is located in the central Maryland region of the Potomac River tidal estuary. The total non-water area of this watershed is 69,770 acres. The watershed drains south from southern Prince George’s County in Zekiah Swamp Run until it discharges into the Wicomico River at Allens Fresh. The Zekiah Swamp is non-tidal except for the southern-most portion of the watershed near the discharge to the tidal Wicomico River. Zekiah Swamp is impaired by nutrients, suspended sediments, copper, lead, selenium, zinc, and it impacts the biological communities. However, the waters of the Zekiah Swamp watershed has no signs of toxic impairments due to the nutrients. Wicomico River Watershed Wicomico River Watershed is a tributary of Lower Potomac. The total non-water land covered within this watershed is 69,770 acres. The Wicomico River watershed in Charles and St. Marys counties drains into the Potomac River and on to the Chesapeake Bay. The Wicomico enjoys good water quality and provides healthy finfish and oyster, and fishery for the local economy. The challenge lies in accommodating growth and change while protecting the traditional lifestyles for the farmers and foresters dependent on the watersheds natural assets. The Wicomico watershed is also home to the Zekiah Swamp, 104 miles of hardwood wetland, viewed as one of the most important ecological areas on the East coast. Breton Bay Watershed Breton Bay watershed is located in Potomac River basin. It has a non-water total area of 34,933 acres. The Breton bay watershed has problems with fecal coliform bacteria, nutrients and sediment. So far no human health issues due to water quality have been reported. Breton Bay watershed is 60% forested, 25% agriculture and 14% developed land. Much of the Breton Bay watershed is covered with intact forest, providing habitat for many forest interior dwelling species. It has sub-watersheds: Dirict Drainage Breton Bay, Lower MeIntosh River, Glebe Run, Headwaters McIntosh Brooks Run and Brunt Mill Creek St. Marys River Watershed Wicomico River Watershed is a tributary of Lower Potomac. The total non-water land covered within this watershed is 45,198 acres. The river is an earth fill embankment 38 feet high and 1670 feet long. The flood discharge facilities for the dam consist of the principal spillway comprised of a drop inlet spillway and two manually operated sluice gates, and a 300-feet wide emergency spillway located adjacent to the right abutment of the dam. Conclusion Water from all the above watersheds like Zekiah Swamp, Mattawoman Creek, Port Tobacco River, Potomac River as well as many others eventually enters into Chesapeake Bay carrying with it whatever it picks up along the way. References Anacostia Watershed Society (1998).Watershed Info. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://www. anacostiaws. org/About/watershedinfo. html Maryland Department of Natural Resources (2009). Watershed Profiles. Retrived April 5, 2009 from http://mddnr. chesapeakebay. net/wsprofiles/surf/prof/prof. html United States Environmental Protection Agency (2007, September 20). Decision Rationale Total Maximum Daily Loads of Fecal Bacteria for the Non-Tidal Piscataway Creek Basin in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://www. google. com/search? hl=enq=UNITED+STATES+ENVIRONMENTAL+PROTECTION+AGENCYbtnG=Search

Agritourism Development In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay

Agritourism Development In Sri Lanka Tourism Essay Sri Lanka is an agricultural country and agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of the country contributing 12 GDP and 38 employment opportunities (Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 2010). Majority of the population of the country is in rural areas and the livelihood of most of these people is directly or indirectly related with agriculture. However, agriculture now has reached a relatively stagnation situation due to many problems in the sector such as high cost of production, low productivity of farm lands, poor marketing and processing facilities for agricultural products. Because of these problems, most of the people are moving out of agriculture and migrating for urban places finding jobs. This creates many socio-economic problems in rural as well as urban areas. Hence, adding extra income generating activities either through new enterprises on the farm or off-farm employment to sustain the field of agriculture would certainly enhance the economy of rural people. One of these ac tivities is agritourism that can help to find extra income, employment, and economic stability on their existing assets in a sustainable way. Agriculture is the most familiar industry for the rural people in the country and also barriers to entry the agritourism are fairly low as in comes under Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs). Small-scale farms already have many of the assets that visitors seek. It can absorb the extra labour available in rural areas. When these factors are concerned, agritourism is highly suitable for Sri Lanka. 5.3.1 Agritourism development in Sri Lanka Looking at the current situation in Sri Lanka, it is not specifically recognized for agritourism as a part of the tours. The government promotion of the field is relatively very low compare to other tourism sectors. Focusing to currently available agritourism  options in Sri Lanka, some of the major attractions are the privately owned farms such as CIC Farm (Windsor park) in Hingurakgoda, Paradise Farm Kitulgala, New Zealand Farm Nuwara-Eliya, Ceylinco Fruit Farm Midigama are the famous ones. Few local Community-based agro tourism and Individual Operations are also in practiced in a small scale (Malkanthi and Routray, 2012). However, in the country, the potential for agritourism is high. There is a good agriculture sector in the country with attractive rural landscape. Also variety in agricultural climate helping to cultivate different crops in different parts of the country, the countrys complex paddy-cultivation system, tea, rubber, coconut, fruit farming and horticulture are some examples of this diverse agritourism potential (Malkanthi and Routray, 2012). The country has an agricultural heritage which is 2,500 years old. Visitors not only learn about modern agricultural processes but also appreciate traditional methods employed many centuries ago. The ancient irrigation systems comprise more than 25,000 tanks ranging from small water bodies to those that are colossal, such as the Parakrama Samudra in Polonnaruwa. The opportunity to intertwine agritourism with heritage tourism will definitely add more flavour to the niche-market experience. (Galappatti, 2012). http://lmd.lk/2012/01/01/sustainable-tourism-3/ With the end of the war, provision of basic infrastructure such as road facilities, clean water, and electricity for many rural areas is now going on successfully by the government. Country is economically and political stable and now peaceful. Furthermore, a large number of local and foreign visitors travel across the country annually. Most of these visitors can be easily attracted if the operations are managed well. Resources rich culture and cultural diversity, geographical characteristics, and socio-cultural entities, smiling faces, visitor friendly behavioural pattern, and delicious culinary would essentially be helpful in promoting agritourism in rural Sri Lanka (Senanayaka an Wimalaratana, 2010). Hence, there is a possibility to give the tourists a wider choice in Agritourism in the country. 5.4 Tourism policies in Sri Lanka Tourism is a vital area in the policy framework of a country. The present government has identified tourism as an effective driving force in the countrys socio economic development. The programs vision for the tourism sector is to make Sri Lanka the foremost leisure destination in the South Asian Region (Ministry of economic Development, 2010). The program believes that the human resources, natural and cultural endowments values and ethos will be fundamental in transforming Sri Lanka into a centre of excellence and offer tourists the highest values of authentic experiences in its unique setting. http://www.sltda.gov.lk/ Tourism policy in Sri Lanka has a quite long history. At the early stage (1960-1980) the policies were formulated focusing the development of mass tourism in the country. Since it was a big investment to run a tourist operation with lots of facilities, ordinary people couldnt do it and so, most of the benefits of tourism in this period had gone to the affluent society such as main hotel owners and tour operators. But, with the introduction of sustainable tourism concept in 1980s, a turning point of the tourism policies of the country took placed. As a result of it, rural tourism, ecotourism, nature tourism like niche tourism operations were initiated making the opportunity to engage in tourism by the local community and get some benefits. The Development Policy Framework of the Government of Sri Lanka is committed to a sustainable Tourism Development Strategy. Protection of the environment and distribution of economic benefits to the larger cross section of the society are key components of this overall vision. It aims at positioning Sri Lanka as a model tourist destination benefiting from the countrys natural advantages of having the highest biodiversity in Asia backed by a strong culture, historical artefacts, exotic beaches, green environment and friendly people all of which are solid building blocks for tourism development. The Sri Lanka Tourist Board was the primary agency of charge in promotional and organizational responsibilities of the tourist industry in Sri Lanka until 2005. It was the main regulatory and administrative authority of tourism facility development and activates in Sri Lanka as per the Tourism Development Act No.14 of 1968. Under this Act, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board approves registers and license all tourist establishments and proposed developments. In the year 2005, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) was established under Section 2 of the tourism Act No. 38, as the apex body for Sri Lanka Tourism, replacing the Sri Lanka Tourist Board. Currently, Sri Lank Tourism Development Authority is dedicated towards converting Sri Lanka to be Asias leading tourism destination by developing diverse, unique and quality tourism services and products that would make Sri Lanka as a unique destination in the world. Recognizing and developing tourist specific, unique products and servic es, preparing and executing Tourism Development Guidelines, and assisting and implementing the legal and executive process for new services and products development are the main responsibilities of it (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 2010). Exiting plans for the development of tourism industry in the country are; Tourism Master Plan, Sri Lanka in 1993, Southwest Coast tourism and community infrastructure development study in 2000, Ecotourism Development Strategy of Sri Lanka in 2003 and Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, Northwest Coast Sri Lanka in 2006-2007 (Government of Sri Lanka, 2007). The Tourism Development Strategy 2010-2016, the Future-Development Policy Framework is implementing in the country successfully. The government believes the multiplier effect of tourism development in formation of employment opportunities and distribution of wealth through a variety of economic activities predominantly in the SME sector, taking the advantage of SMEs being able to link micro enterprises from one side and large scale corporate sector on the other side. The tourism sector has been identified as one of the key sectors propelling the countrys economic growth. According to the core philosophy of the present master plan for tourism development, the ultimate beneficiaries of tourism development strategy should be the people of the country: the farmers who supply rice, vegetables and fruit, the fishermen who deliver the catch of the day, the craftsmen who produce souvenirs, the guides who escort the visitors and the young men and women serving in the industry with the unique Sri Lankan hospitality. 5.4.2 Strategies involved There is a great scope for promoting tourism particularly within the region due to historic and cultural ties of Sri Lanka with the South Asia, Middle-East and Far-East. Sri Lanka is part of a region which includes already industrialized economies such as Japan, Korea, and Singapore and rapidly emerging economies such as India and China which are capable of altering the economic landscape of the world during the next few decades. Sri Lanka also with its unique geographical location, diversity, quality human resources, peace and stability has all the ingredients in place to play a key role in the regional development as a fast emerging market economy in Asia (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 2010). The Tourism Development Strategy 2010-2020 is addressing the wider important issues related to the industry including the government policy, capacity and manpower build-up requirements, infrastructure development, improving service standards, marketing and promotions, regulations, guidelines, public relations, tourist safety and improvements to domestic tourism (Table 5.4). In this ten year master plan, several important strategies that are going to be covered are creating an environment conducive for tourism, attracting the right type of tourists to the country, ensuring that departing tourists are happy, improving domestic tourism and contributing towards improving the global image of Sri Lanka (Tourism Development strategy in Sri Lanka, 2010). Table 5.4 Summary of Tourism Policy strategies and targets Source: The Department of National Planning of Sri Lanka, 2010 5.4.3 Policy Framework to Support Investors and the Industry The government has addressed several policy related issues that are affecting the industry such as, (a) the restoration of a simple tax regime to obtain benefits for the stakeholder (b) simplification of licensing procedures to make easy and quick procedure of getting license (c) reduction of the high electricity tariffs to overcome to cost of tourism operations (d) unification of the regulatory environment and creating a single authority for tourism promotion to make efficient and effective management mechanism,(e) creating opportunities to promote shopping of internationally reputed branded products and entertainment to enhance the quality standards, (f) simplification of the investment approval process by setting up of a One Stop Shop for tourism related investments to motivate the investors, (g) streamlining the process of alienating government land for tourism development projects to overcome the space problem, (h) attracting internationally reputed tourist hotels to enhance the standard of the industry and, above all (i) environmentally friendly, clean-city concept for urban development to make cities attractive for the visitors, (http://srilanka.travel/catalog/view/theme/default/image/pdf/English.pdf, 2012) 5.4.4 Ecotourism policy in Sri Lanka There is no separate policy for agritourism or rural tourism. They are still under the ecotourism policy guidelines. Ecotourism policy was formalized in the recent past and therefore, it has a very short history. With the expansion of the ecotourism sector and the related institutions, in year 2003 government has taken the initial step to develop the ecotourism sector with the help of the Norwegian Technical Assistance program and prepared the document ecotourism policy guidelines. It is a detailed document and all policy aspects regarding ecotourism have been explained clearly. The main features of the policies have been summarized in the table 5.5. This national ecotourism policy outlines the principles, objectives and actions that necessary to facilitate the development of a sustainable tourism industry that contributes to resource conservation while optimizing economic benefits for the current and future generations of the country. The regulations have been compiled as to help al l those involved in tourism in Sri Lanka to ensure that the industry is developed, managed, and regulated in a sustainable manner, to appropriate standards. By highlighting the core requirements of ecotourism, it is intended that the regulations will enable planning bodies to make fair and informal assessment of proposed ecotourism development, activities and facilities (Sri Lanka Tourist Board, 2003) . 5.4.5 Need for Agritourism policy As mentioned before, agritourism is similar to ecotourism in several ways. Both are rural tourism sectors and niche tourism operations. They have very close links with local residents, natural environment, rural development and local governments. So that, most of the aspects of agritourism development such as establishment, management, can be handled by the ecotourism policy in the country. However, when agritourism is concerned, it has a strong forward and backward links with one of the big sectors agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Sri Lanka. The ecotourism policy is unable to handle the agricultural side of agritourism such as agricultural land management, loans and credits, training and education, quality control of farm products, marketing of agricultural goods and services etc. As per the present statistics and future estimations of visitors in the country in the chapter 6.3, there will be a good demand for agritourism in near future. Moreover, as explai ned in the chapter 6.2, the present visitors are not satisfied with many attributes of agritourism operations due to poor levels. Furthermore, according to the chapter 6.3 regarding the local residents perception on the contribution of agritourism for the local development is not so high. In this context in order to have a better satiation, it is important to have a separate set of policy for agritourism development. Fortunately, the current government has realized the importance of agritourism and it has been included in the future development agenda (Ministry of Finance and Planning, 2010). Therefore, it is timely important to pay attention on important policies by now to motivate the agritourism development in the country Table 5.4: Ecotourism Policy in Sri Lanka Aspect Description Principles of Ecotourism 1. Minimize alleviate negative environmental, social cultural impacts. 2. Optimize revenues for industry and for re-invest in conservation. 3. Optimize the active involvement of equitable distribution of economic benefits to local communities. 4. Educate visitors and citizens about the importance of conserving Sri Lankas natural cultural heritages. 5. Promote ethical behaviour responsibilities towards the nature cultural environment. 6. Manage operations such that there are long term benefits to the resource, industry and the local community. 7. Deliver a high quality, value-for-money, enlighten and participatory natural resource and culture-based experience for visitors. 8. Encourage travel in a spirit of humanity, respect and learning about local hosts, their culture and the natural environment. Objectives of ecotourism 1. to promote facilitate the development of ecotourism sites, activities and facilities in a manner that is consistent with the principles of ecotourism. 2. to educate all stakeholders about the concept of ecotourism, the economic opportunities that it offers and the actions that are required to develop a successful industry in Sri Lanka. 3. to expand the range of ecotourism products, services and facilities available in Sri Lanka. 4. to increase the number of Sri Lankans involved in ecotourism and facilitate the development of community-owned and managed ecotourism enterprises. 5. to contribute to and influence a more sustainable form of tourism in Sri Lanka, through a diverse range of measures: incentives, education, guidelines, regulations and marketing. 6. to contribute to conservation of natural eco-systems. Ecotourism policy interventions 1. In the planning and regulation of the ecotourism sector. 2. In developing, managing and operating ecotourism facilities and activities. 3. In ecotourism at natural and cultural heritage sites. 4. In Community/local economic development. 5. In conservation, education and awareness and 6. In Ecotourism implementation. Source: Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka, 2008 5.4.6 Agritourism Policies in Other Countries The development of agritourism raises substantial policy issues. Two reasons for this are that agritourism may generate significant externalities and that it is of considerable economic importance as an activity. Development policies are decisions taken by the government for the improvement of particular sector/aspect of a country and agritourism development policies are decisions drawn by the government for the improvement of the agritourism sector of a country. Many countries that are conducting agritourism have developed agritourism development policies according to their own context. Many government agencies have introduced policies and programs with the aim of encouraging agritourism development. A wide variety of government laws and regulations are essential for the smooth functioning of agritourism Operations and sustainable development in future. After reviewing the many policies and programs aimed at agritourisrm development, support can be categorized into three areas: fina ncial aids, technical information and marketing strategies. These broad strategies tend to promote agritourism development by affecting either supply or demand. Financial Aids Incentive policies and programs directed at increasing agritourism development have been launched in many countries (Hjalager, 1996; Frater, 1983). In Britain, the Farm Diversification Grant Scheme came into effect in 1987 and provided financial assistance to farm operators wishing to set up an ancillary business on or adjacent to their farm (Gasson, 1988). This policy was aimed at maintaining the farmers income while the government reduced support prices for agriculture products. Unfortunately, the policy did not prove to be successful, since many farm operators chose not to participate in the program (Ilbery, 1992; Gasson, 1988; Winter, 1987). Financial assistance for agritourism development continues to be provided throughout many parts of Europe (Williams, 1996; Greffe, 1994; Frater, 1985). In France, farmers can obtain grants or loans to finance the conversion of farm buildings (Greffe, 1994). In West Germany, financial aid is available for agritourism facility development withi n the context of village renewal and regional development programs (Williams, 1996). Authorities in Portugal, Belgium, Spain and ltaly also provide financial assistance for rural development. The Irish government created the Operational Programme for Rural Development as a mechanism to diversify the rural economy (Williams, 1996). Initially this policy met with limited success, until it was modified in 1991 to expand its financial support and accept a wider range of participants (Williams, 1996; Reid et al., 1993 Technical Information Another type of action taken by authorities is the provision of technical information and consultation services to farm operators. In the United States, the Small Business Administration organized advisory and training services (Greffe, 1994). Workshops are devoted to such subjects as retail trade, home-based businesses, promotion of tourist products and managing businesses in the hospitality sector (Gustafson, 1997). In particular, the state of New York has developed several publications on how to open and operate a farm based bed and breakfast business. Authorities in this state have also initiated conferences for agritourism fanners. These sessions focused on issues such as promoting and merchandising your business, insurance and legalities, making your business multi-seasonal and thinking like a tourist(Williarns, 1996). In certain European countries, the systematic labeling of agritourism businesses has become a primary objective for some authorities. Onicials in France, Germany and Austria have developed a national system to ensure high standards amongst al1 agritourism operators (Williams, 1996; Greffe, 1994). The guidelines used by authorities are very detailed and are strongly enforced. Many countries have organized information through training sessions. The Nordic countries have responded to the needs of agricultural universities by providing courses through universities and colleges (Greffe, 1994). In Austria, the Farm Holiday Association provides training sessions on tourism trends, marketing and sales, investments and public relations. These services are provided for both the farm operators as well as staff members (Embacher, 1994). German officials offer training sessions to local farm operators which focus on the needs of paying guests (Williams, 1996). In Wales, a specific program has been set up, Getting into Rural Tourism, which is intended to train people in the management of paying guests (Greffe, 1994). Marketing Strategies In many parts of the world, government agencies are trying to bridge the gap between agritourism businesses and their potential customers by offering marketing support. Promotion could include such strategies as the development of brochures and also participation in tourism trade shows. In Belgium, it is the Office de Promotion Touristique that assumes this marketing role (Greffe, 1994). It is the Austrian Farm Holiday Association that promotes agritourism in Austria. This association is a w-operative marketing organization which links individual farm businesses on a regional, provincial and federal level (Embacher, 1994; Bramwell, 1994). In France, the Gites De France Services, Logis de France Service and the WF Tourisme were al1 created for advertising and marketing purposes (Greffe, 1994). The federal and state governments in Germany are instrumental in promoting farm-based accommodations, especially for the small and medium-size farms. (Oppermann, 1996). The Australian State Tour ism Industry Association plays an intricate role in marketing and promoting host farms (AFACT, 1997). Finally, in New York State, the promotion and marketing of host farms is accomplished through Farm Tour brochures (Hilchey, 1993). 5.4.7 Issues and Challenges of the Agritourism sector in Sri Lanka Firstly, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of agritourism were analyzed the operators point of view. After that, these factors were also discussed with key informants and local government officers of the area to examine them in different point of views to get a complete picture of it (Table 5.5). Finally main challenges (weaknesses and threats) were clearly identified. Table 5.5: SWOT Analysis for policy related issues of agritourism using Operators, Key Informants and Local Government Officers Strengths Availability of farm land/s for the operators. Use of traditional knowledge and skills in farming and agritourism activities. Ability to use family labour Ability to integrate with other tourism sectors and arts and crafts industry. Positive attitude and enthusiasm of the operators Weaknesses Mostly small size farms Problems on ownership of some farm lands Less variety in supply of agritourism Lack of knowledge on foreign languages (especially English) of operators Lack of necessary skills Poor level of processing of farm products Problems with quality control of goods and services Limited scope for direct sales of the produce Poor publicity and promotion of operations Opportunities Natural scenic beauty, clean environment and attractive climate in farming areas Availability of human resource (labour) for farm and tourism work. Some support form government and some NGOs for the operations (credit facilities/ training programs). Support from local people (community participation). Since agritourism is getting popular in the world, raising demand and potential for expansion. Up coming supportive infrastructure development initiatives at national and provincial levels. Threats Lack of organization, a responsible authority for development, marketing, facilitation and regulation. Unavailability of a common agritourism development fund at local level Competition among agritourism operations Lack of systematic taxation for agritourism operations Weak management of negative impacts. Poor distribution of positive impacts Tourism development by operators merely focused on income generation. Poor level of infrastructure facilities. Insufficient government intervention Monopoly of tour operators. Lack of stakeholder collaboration. Political influences Low number of visitors Lack of community participation and participation readiness due to low socio-economic conditions. Insufficient capacity of local community to take part in agritourism development successfully. Unavailability of insurance policy for many destinations Lack of research in agritourism There are significant challenges facing by the agritourism sector at present. This requires designation management approach to come up with solutions resulted from a clear strategic thinking process. Further, to fully realize the opportunities assuring mutual benefits through tourism, capitalize on strengths, understanding shared responsibility of industry stakeholders and communicates it appropriately expecting strategic commitment from the industry. 5.4.8 Policy Suggestions for Agritourism Development in Sri Lanka Policy formulation is a systematic process. Identification of policy goal, formulation of policy objectives based on the policy goals, understanding of policy action for each policy objectives and identification of strategy for each and every policy action is the general procedure. When a policy is formulated, it is very important to follow all the steps of the process to have accurate policies. The policy goal of this study was to reach the agritourism development in the country. According to the SWOT analysis, a number of challenges (weaknesses and threats) of agritourism development were identified. In order to overcome these challenges, three broad policy objectives were drawn as agritourism development, visitor satisfaction and community development. Under each policy objective, relevant problems, suitable policy suggestions and policy strategy for each and every policy suggestion were formed. Several discussions with university lecturers were conducted in this regards. Results are present in the (Table 5.6). 5.4.8.1 Broad Policy Objectives of the Development of Agritourism Sector a. Agritourism Development in the Country Agritourism will be able to bring some support for life and prosperity of the country that is capable of sound economic prospects facilitating integrated development. It may require minimal additional investment and may utilize excess capacity of labour, capital, land, and natural resources. There are potential benefits of agritourism for local agriculture and rural communities. Tourists bring in money to local communities that keep rural communities alive and prosperous. Partnering of tourism and the green industry will help create and strengthen rural economics. b. Visitor Satisfaction in Agritourism Tourist satisfaction primarily reflected the service quality and is crucial to the continued viability of any service business, including agritourism businesses. Therefore, consideration on the aspect is important to successful destination marketing because it influences the choice of destination, the consumption of products and services, and the decision to return. Consideration should be on local and non local visitor satisfaction. It is vital to understand the areas such as how do visitors assess their satisfaction with tourist attractions as well as the factors influencing visitor satisfaction. c. Community Development and Agritourism It is obvious that the diverse communities that involve in agritourism seek fair rewards for their involvement, commitment, and resources deployed for development. The proposed agritourism development should focus on this aspect and be reasonable for delivering such rewards for the communities who actively take part in every aspect of agritourism from planning and development to operations. Table 5.6: Policy Goals and Respective Policy Suggestions and Strategies Policy objective Issues and challenges Policy suggestion/s (at different government levels) Relevant Policy Strategies Policy objective 1 Agritourism development Farm lands are small in size Provision of lands for needy agritourism operators by the national government Distribution or long term leasing of government lands Provision of access to public lands around the destination Introduction of Community-based agritourism for the farmers Networking of small scale agritourism operators Problems in the ownership of some farm lands Provision of ownership to the operators by the national government Provision of real ownership or user right. Avoid land disputes. Lack of capital for agritourism development Promotion of financial support systems by the national government Loans at concession rate for medium and scale farmers Loans at normal interest rate for large-scale operators Lack of knowledge and skills on agribusiness management Provision of required education and training, information technology and related extension services for relevant personnel by the provincial governments Workshops, seminars, awareness programs, lectures on agritourism development and marketing should be conducted in suitable time durations Unavailability of a responsible authority for development, facilitation and regulation of agritourism Formation of an Agritourism Management Group for relevant provinces by the provincial governments Agritourism management group should include representatives of all the categories of stakeholders and it should be the responsible body for coordinating, development, marketing, facilitation and regulation of agritourism activities. Low number of visitors due to poor level of promotion and marketing of agritourism Formation of marketing strategies by the Agritourism Management Group of the Province National government supported advertising and promotions Marketing via websites , face book, at

Effective Writing Is Important Essay -- essays research papers

Effective Writing is Important I have become to notice, through my coursework, that writing well is a tool that everyone can benefit from. Good writers will tell of many an occasion in which their talent has earned them advancement; an advancement that comes to play not only in the job market but also for personal gratification. Fortunately, writing is a skill that can be both taught and practiced to a point at which virtual perfection is reached. The many facets of writing can seem quite overwhelming to the novice. The aspect of writing that most people are unaware of is the fact that it is actually broken down into just a few basic principles. Because of the many benefits that proper voice, structure, and thesis development bring to one's writing, these facets of writing are more impo...

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The Advantages of Hilling an External Advertising Agency Many companies such as Dint Moore have attempted to market and advertise using in-house personnel. Using In-house associates to market a product can be successful f they are familiar with the product and the customer base. Often time, companies select to stay in-house due to budget restraints. Budget, skill set and product knowledge are a few contributing factors used In determining if It is feasible to use In-house associates or hire an external agency.If the campaign is a† make it† or† break it† campaign for the company, it may be necessary to hire a reputable racketing company to spearhead the project. Otherwise the risk of failure is too high and costly to keep In-house. There are multiple reasons why Luis should hire an external advertising agency for the Dint Moore campaign. It could be because they do not have sufficient skill and talent in house to research and create a campaign or there is not e nough time to product a quality advertisement.It could also be that they need professionals because the competition is growing and Dint Moore is losing customer base and revenue. It could also be that Dint Moore wishes to attract new customer and trenched the loyalty between the company and the existing customer base. Listed below are three good reasons Luis should hire an external advertising agency to promote and market for Dint Moore: (1) they are the professionals. (2) they can add quality and enhance the brand name and (3) they bring experience and new ideas. As professionals, they are abreast of any new trends or advertisement strategies.The bring experience to the table which allows them to make decisions based on past history. They were trained specifically for this type of Job and know the ins and outs of advertisement. The external agency will be able to do a market analysis of who will buy the product, who likes or dislikes the product and why. This Information, will allo w the agency to make the right changes so that the advertisement will reach loyal customers and potential new customers. They will also be able to access the company's brand to see how It will stand up to competitors that sell the same or similar products.They will be thorough and concise because they will want repeat work and this is how they make their living. An external advertising agency will bring new ideas to the table. The will be able o create new ads and enhance the older ads to meet the needs of the company and the consumer. New ideas and strategies can give the company new life. Something as simple as changing the color or font on the packing can be catchy and attract potential new customers. In-house personnel may become complacent with the packaging and have the notation we have always done It this way, or If it Is not broken don't fix it.This type of behavior will lead to the wear -out effects. This is when an ad becomes old and boring and the consumer tend to ignore the advertisement or tune it out (Slow & Aback, 2010). However, the external advertisement agency will come in with new ideas and find the right method to present the company's product so that loyal customers or potential new customers will have a positive attitude regarding purchasing the product. The agency will be tofu able to adjectively promote the benefits and values to the product by studying the trends in the consumer buying environment.The external agency will also be able to position the product in such a manner that the consumer will view the product brand and company in the same manner. I f they are successful with the immunization market analysis, they will be able to accomplish multiple communication objectives such as; develop brand awareness, increase category demand and change customer beliefs or attitudes (Slow et al. , 2010). They will be able to enhance brand awareness and the brand's image by effectively creating an advertisement that is viewed everywhere, billb oards, internet, television commercials and radio.This is known as cognitive mapping and creative in the agency use this strategy to strengthen linkages that already (Slow et al. , 2010). Three Relevant Experiences of an External Agency Three relevant experiences of an external agency that would be helpful to Luis and the Dint Moor brand are; knowledge of the advertisement world, experience in marketing domestic and internationally and the ability to handle the entire marketing campaign from cradle to the grave.It would be the responsibility of the external agency to assist the company in attaining success by implementing the integrated advertising, promoting, and marketing communications approach as stipulated in our textbook. They will be accountable for putting out fires and damage control. With he experience, they will be able to come up with tactics to beat out the competition. The knowledge they bring will help with budget constraints and ensuring the product is launched at th e right time.The agency can also create campaigns that will become global based on market and communication analysis results. They will be able to network and use the resources to get the right media source to use and time and make sure Luis get value for the bucks. Three Types of Advertising Planning and Research The three types of advertising planning and research that should be conducted to identify Dint Moor's most loyal customers and potential new customers are general preprinting input, product-specific research and qualitative research.The general preprinting input is used by the agency to learn everything about the client by reading trade publications, research reports and viewing the company's website (Slow et al. , 2010). Members of the agency may also interview employees, members of the community and other business partners to get to better understand the concept and the needs of the client. During the product-specific research step, the agency will identify who uses this product and how it is used.The most important piece is to understand who the user is and to target that group with the ad campaign. From this research the major selling point will be identified and the brand/product was market using the deprivation approach. Last, the qualitative research is conducted. This is more formal and a focus group is used to discuss the product. This discussion is used to learn who likes the product. Collection can come via anthropology, sociology and psychology. The end results from this research will suggest ideas so that the campaign can begin.Selection of an Advertising Agency for Dint Moore Campaign After reading information on six advertising agencies, I selected BAD Worldwide to continue to promote and advertise for Dint Moor's Stew. For many years BAD Worldwide NAS been cutlets in maintaining a g relationship WI TN the account and has demonstrated the ability to reach the mass market and brand the company's product. Although BAD Worldwide is a larg e company with offices all over the world, the Dint Moore campaign will be of importance to the agency and will not get lost in the shuffle.A smaller ad agency maybe overwhelmed and intimidated by the account. Also BAD has a wealth of knowledge and they are familiar with advertising food products. They have a very good success rate for ad campaigns and they are global which meaner there is opportunity for Dint Moore Stew campaign to go global. BAD is known for creative pitches that are catchy and memorable. The have references from established companies and have won numerous advertising awards domestically and internationally. Based on the research, BAD Worldwide would continue to be a good match for the Dint Moore Stew campaign.

Teaching the Functional Skill of Tooth Brushing

Teaching the Functional Skill of Tooth Brushing Tooth brushing is both an important functional life skill and an appropriate skill for school intervention.   Other functional life skills like showering may be appropriate in residential settings, but its necessary to remember that only a small minority of students are in residential placements   In that way, tooth brushing is a pivotal skill in a way  that will lead to success in other task analysis based skill programs.  Once a student understands how completing one step leads to the next, they will more quickly acquire new skills.   Tooth Brushing Task Analysis First, you need to start with a task analysis, which lays out the discrete steps that a child must complete in order to complete the entire task. These need to be operationalized or described in a clear way that any two observers would see the behavior and identify it in the same way.  Below is a straightforward task analysis. Remove toothpaste and toothbrush from the drawerTurn on cold waterWet toothbrush     Ã‚  Ã‚     Remove cap from toothpaste     Ã‚  Ã‚  Squeeze 3/4 inch of  toothpaste on bristles   Ã‚  Ã‚     Place brush with toothpaste into the top right side of the mouthBrush up and downPlace brush into the left top sideBrush up and downRepeat on right bottomRepeat on left bottomBrush front top and bottom teethRinse mouth with water from water glass  Ã‚  Rinse your brush in the sinkReplace brush and toothpasteTurn off water Instructional Strategy Once you have a task analysis that fits your students need, you have to choose how you will teach it.   Students with a significantly disabling disability may need either forward or backward chaining, teaching one or two steps at a time, mastering each before moving on, or  your student may be able to learn the whole task, using visual prompts, or even a list, for students with strong language skills. Forward Chaining:  Forward chaining  is recommended for a student who is capable of learning multiple steps quickly, over a short span of time.  A student with good receptive language may respond quickly to modeling and some verbal prompting. You will want to be sure that the student exhibits mastery of the first two or three steps without prompting before moving on, but you will be able to expand the steps quickly.   Ã‚   Backward Chaining:  Backward chaining  is recommended for students who do not have strong language.  By performing the early steps hand over hand while naming them, you will be giving your student repeated practice in the steps for tooth brushing while building receptive vocabulary, and as you get closer to the end, you will withdraw prompting for the last steps, while keeping the reinforcement for completion closest to successful completion of the task.   Complete Task: This is the most successful with children with high functional skills. They may even be able to complete the task with a written checklist.   Visual Schedule In each of these strategies, a visual schedule would be helpful. Creating a picture schedule with the student completing each step (heavily edited, of course,) is a very effective way to support student success. The visual schedule can be reviewed before you brush teeth or can be placed on the counter. Try using laminated pictures with a hole punched in the corner, bound with a binder ring. You could also make a flip book using two rings at the top of the pictures, having the students lift and flip each page.   Evaluating Success In order to determine whether your student is making progress, youll want to be sure you are not over prompting which may easily lead to prompt dependence.

Pretty Women essays

Pretty Women essays Pretty Women, directed by Garry Marshall, is a light, bubbly, romantic comedy. On a scale from 1-5 (five being the best), I rate this movie a five. The story plot of this film appeals to the emotion of the audience. Between the romance, greed, lust, and power of this film, the audience can relate with these typical issues. Also, I thought the acting was phenomenal by both Gere and Roberts. There was intense passion between them throughout the film, very convincing. Pretty Women, portrays the bad end of the stick life dishes out normally, and the knight in shining armor that possibly may come rescue you. Pretty Women, reminds me of the famous fairy tale of Cinderella, the theme of both films relate. Both share the story line of a confident women working hard on every challenge life threw at her. Finally her day comes when a handsom man will rescue her form her pit of despair, and take her in his arms. Cinderellas life hadnt gone exactly as she planned, she found herself in rags her whole life. Pretty Women, is a nineties version with a little less fiction and a little more harsh reality. Julia Roberts plays a carefree prostitute named Vivian Ward. Her co-star Richard Gere is a successful corporate terminator named Edward Lewis. Their lives are worlds apart until they meet on the corner one night. In a matter of days Vivian goes from rags to riches, her new sweetie Edward opens her eyes to the finer things in life. Vivians energetic spirit challenges Edwards no non- sense, business minded approach to life. Vivian had a blast working for Edward, so much she accidentally fell in love with him. When it came time for Vivian to leave, Edward offered her an apartment, clothes, happiness, all paid for if she stayed. Vivian refused and was disappointed in Edwards poor decisi ...

Nora And Torvalds Deception essays

Nora And Torvald's Deception essays how does Ibsen present deception in 'A Dolls House?' Deception is one of the most important themes within A Dolls House. It brings out the plot, outlines the characters, and shows what Ibsen was trying to show us about women and society. Without deception there would be no play. Two of the most interesting things about it are the decision that the audience must make. When is deceiving someone wrong and when is it necessity? And the fact that as the audience witnesses the deception they do not realise that they are being deceived themselves. The character of Nora is the most deceptive within the play, and so it is through her character I have decided to explore Ibsens portrayal of deception. Nora lies in one way or another to all of the main characters in the play. The biggest victim of her treachery is her loving husband Torvald. Even from the start we see her lying about the most ridiculous things like how much money she spends and whether she has been eating macaroons. Then later we see her lie about the crimes that she has committed against her dead father, her family, and herself. So why is that we still see her as a sweet and innocent child. The character of Nora has many guises, which she uses in front of people to get her own way and protect herself. One of the most obvious and consistent is that of a child. The first we see of this is right at the beginning of the first act as she crosses quietly to Torvalds door after sneakily eating a few macaroons and hiding them in her pocket. This is normally portrayed in a very childish manner on stage and normally has Nora tiptoeing about the stage. Shortly after we see another example of Noras regressive qualities after she has been told off by Torvald for being a spendthrift. We know that he is right for we have just...

Hypercompetition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Hypercompetition - Essay Example Creating and protecting a market position is beneficial if the competition is sparse, or the firm has a unique product that gives them supplier power. However, if a profit is being made on the product, it will attract competitors and innovators will find substitute products (Sull & Escobari 2004 p.15). It may take substantial resources through advertising and customer service to maintain a position in a fluid market (Day & Reibstein 1997 p.52). It may be easier to create a new opportunity than it is to protect an old position. However, new opportunities require resources. Amassing resources can be a definite advantage. However, the value of these resources may erode if other firms can easily acquire them (Day & Reibstein 1997 p.312). A firm needs to evaluate all its resources. Garelli (2006) states, "Competitiveness thrives increasingly on intangible assets that are difficult to value, to account for, to create, and to recover" (p.4). Firms can maximise their competitive edge by utilising their intangible assets as well as they can any other raw material. These resources may be easier to protect than a superior market position. However, in today's hypercompetitive market competitors are quick to take your intangibles such as innovations, employees, and market share. The The signs of hyercompetition are everywhere. In fact, competition has evolved from dirty tricks into criminal behaviour. Global firms such as Proctor and Gamble, Oracle, and Deloitte & Touche have been caught up in scandal in their underhanded attempts to undermine the competition (Grimm 2005 p.7). Competition in the US wireless market has left an industry in paralysis and the world of global products has produced an air of uncertainty (Sull & Escobari 2004 p.17, Woolley 2003). Still, most firms have learned to compete by integrating new strategies to supplement the tried and true theories on creating value. The restructuring of the global economy has demanded that firms not only take every opportunity, but they must create opportunity as well. The goal is, as D'Aveni says, "to upset the equilibrium of the industry, disrupt the status quo, and open opportunities for a new advantage" (1995a p.53). How does a firm reshuffle the product, the market, and the consumer to turn the situation into a competitive advantage To do so it is imperative that the firm understands the nature of hypercompetition. Hypercompetition is a concentrated effort by competitors to create and sustain market instability and to establish an uncertainty of economic conditions (Mittleman 2000 p. 16). By definition it is a rapidly changing environment where there is no long-term sustainability. Firms need to plan for short-term strategies. In D'Aveni's 7S's, he points out two necessary dynamics that a firm will need in a hypercompetitive marketplace; speed and surprise. (1995a p.51). A prolonged strategy of surprise will keep the competitors off balance and the firm will benefit from gaining momentum. Speed can be a valuable asset when getting a new innovation to market. With today's short product life span, the first to enter the market stands to gain. However, with shorter development time costs are driven up, quality suffers, and profits begin to wane (Gibson 1997 p.51). Speed to market may be a short-term necessity, but may not give the

Alzheimer's disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Alzheimer's disease - Essay Example It has a slow development and normally starts after the age of sixty (Medline Plus, 2010). The short-term memory is disturbed while long-term memory is still there. The patient starts losing control over his language, reading and writing skills. He begins to forget the names of acquaintances, relatives or even members of the family. When the disease starts getting worse, the patient may even forget how to eat, drink or go to toilet. Stage 1, mild stage, has symptoms like losing way, trouble in calculating bills, asking something repeatedly, taking longer to perform daily tasks, putting things in weird places, and showing attitude problems. Stage 2, moderate stage, shows symptoms like requiring assistance in performing daily tasks, forgetting recent happenings and acquaintances, mixing up distant past with recent past, having language problems, and wandering away. Stage 3, severe stage, has symptoms like being unable to feed oneself, control bowel and urinary movements, speak, read, w rite or recognize members of the family. Memory vanishes away totally (American Health Assistance Foundation, 2010). References American Health Assistance Foundation. (2010). Alzheimer's symptoms & stages. Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

Film Ragtime Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Film Ragtime - Movie Review Example The inspector tells the father that the colored do not have the same sense of family as the whites do. The story simultaneously shows how white people like Evelyn Nesbit use wedlock merely to improve their wealth and status. The main intention is to show that there are good and generous people like the mother and father as well as mean people like the firehouse chief among the white people. It's the same with the colored; there are people who respond violently, like Coalhouse Walker and there are peace loving people like Mr. Booker T Washington. a) Narrative - The plot structure is chronological without any flash back scenes. The interesting part is that four interconnected stories are running simultaneously and due to the systematic and chronological order of scenes, at no point one feels disconnected with any of the four stories. b) Acting - The performance of all the actors, including those with the smallest of roles, is outstanding. However, the performance of Howard E Rollins Jr. (as Coalhouse Walker Jr.) and Elizabeth McGovern (as Evelyn Nesbit) is exceptionally remarkable. The most appealing factor in Howard's performance is his fluency in dialogue delivery. Also, there is a kind of innocence and earnestness in his performance. Some of the scenes in which his immense talent can be seen are the ones in which the firemen block his way and when he expresses his emotions to Mr. Washington and also undoubtedly the concluding scene just before his surrender. By watching Elizabeth's act, it seems like she knew exactly what was expected of her for this role; it is as though she personally knew the character she was playing. She has neither underplayed nor overplayed her role. It is evident that she does not need a dialogue to make an impact. For instance, the way she expresses "couldn't care less" attitude when her husband is speaking about bringing down her nude statue and also the way she shows her disinterest in what Baron Ashkenazy is speaking is notable. Yet another actor worthy of praise is Kenneth McMillan (as the firehouse chief, Willie Conklin). The performance is so good that one is likely to hate the very sight of the character he plays. The characters in the film maintain their basic characteristics throughout the film. The only character that changes is that of the Father's. The father, at the beginning is very indifferent towards Coalhouse, but as the film proceeds, he becomes more sympathetic and finally goes to the extent of risking his life to prove Coalhouse harmless. c) Cinematography - By observing the photography and the lighting, it seems as though great care has been taken to make the movie look very real, as if it's happening right in front of the audience and not on the screen. In the outdoor scenes, the lighting looks very natural and in the indoor scenes, the key light is on the face of the character without placing emphasis on the background. d) Editing - The pace of the film is constant throughout. The constant pace maintained even after Coalhouse and friends taking over the library has helped enhance the suspense. No transition effects have been used, yet

Advertising Campaign Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Advertising Campaign - Essay Example The advertiser’s handling of the bath soap Safeguard on its Philippine end is an excellent example of a successful advertising campaign that keeps a close ear on actual market conditions. When the advertising agency, which goes by the name of Atlas Promotions and Marketing Co. (APMC), considered taking on the Safeguard account, it immediately launched a study on the demographic profile of its potential market. The company that produces Safeguard wanted the product to penetrate as wide a market as possible, not just establish a specific niche for it. The challenge for the agency then was how to present Safeguard as a soap product of choice for majority of the Philippine populace. There is cutthroat competition in the Philippine market for personal care products such as bath soaps, with nearly 100 different products vying for consumer attention. The market research conducted by APMC showed that majority of the populace is poor, with the low and middle income class comprising ove r 70 per cent of the entire bath soap market. If APMC projects Safeguard as, say, a skin beauty soap, it would reach only the smaller 30 per cent of the market’s upper income bracket which consists mostly of young women. This has been the narrow and limited market niche of soaps like Dove and Ivory, which is made up of women aged 16 to 40, with high school and college education and gainfully employed.

Pricing strategy of Southwest airline in the US Essay

Pricing strategy of Southwest airline in the US - Essay Example Due to intense competition from other competitors, Southwest airline should project its image carefully such that it differentiates its services from those of the competitors (Simmons, 2008). It should position itself as a point to point short haul carrier. The airline should offer separate check-in areas that offer snacks, drinks, internet access, nap rooms and even showers. While on board, a seat should be a flat bed seat that can recline to 180 degrees- parallel to the floor and one that can guarantee good sleep. The passengers should be served with menus with wide choices. More so, they should consider offering pre-order services where one can place an order before flying. Entertainment for elite business class should also be exceptional probably with a television fixed to the passenger seat or passenger offered with DVD players at will. In addition, passengers should be availed with internet access such that they can still transact businesses even when on board. Considering that everyone is cost sensitive, Southwest airlines should embrace a pricing strategy that offers competitive prices for its target market. It should not only compete with other airlines, but also with other forms of transport. For instance, a wealthy business executive may have a number of options such as either board a hired aircraft, top of range motor vehicle, or use the airline; all offering similar services, but ends up using the airline after considering the cost factor. However, the airline should ensure that it offers the facilities needed.

Analysis of John Updikes A&P Short Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of John Updikes A&P Short Story - Essay Example The character of Sammy in the story is replete with ironical undercurrents and a sarcastic and mocking tone towards the things. Sammy who serves as a young checkout clerk at an A&P store though being hateful of a lot of his colleagues and superiors, in a way is ironically subservient to the same sense of compliance and duty. During his cynical and intense monologue, Sammy evinces a more than average dejection for Stokesie, who is from a middle class background, married and merely aspires to crawl high up the corporate ladder or the traditionalist like Lengel, who is happy bidding his time haggling about a cabbage lot or festering behind the confines of his office door. However, the readers could discernibly identify the verbal irony inherent in Sammy’s monologue in the sense that Sammy is himself serving as an ordinary checkout clerk at the A&P story, a plight that he vehemently abhors and detests in his colleagues and superiors. Hence, in a way, one could see that there is a wide gap between what Sammy says what he actually means and what he is really doing at the store. Sammy’s monologue in the short story A&P also depicts ample inherent verbal irony in his attitude towards the young girls in the bathing suit. One could amply discern that the girls do unleash the suppressed bestiality and savageness in young Sammy’s consciousness (Greiner 93). When the leader of their group, Queenie comes to Sammy to pay for her shopping, Sammy blatantly ends up being a victim to indecorous reveries like touching Queenie’s breasts or cheeks. In fact, Sammy goes on to register that Queenie’s breasts are, â€Å"two perfect scoops of ice cream (Updike 313)†. The monologue going on in Sammy’s mind more than amply conveys to the readers that he harbors visible carnal feelings and a sense of lust towards the girls. The readers to a great extent assume that Sammy has an irreverent and indecorous attitude towards the girls in the bathing suits.

Advertising Campaign Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Advertising Campaign - Essay Example The advertiser’s handling of the bath soap Safeguard on its Philippine end is an excellent example of a successful advertising campaign that keeps a close ear on actual market conditions. When the advertising agency, which goes by the name of Atlas Promotions and Marketing Co. (APMC), considered taking on the Safeguard account, it immediately launched a study on the demographic profile of its potential market. The company that produces Safeguard wanted the product to penetrate as wide a market as possible, not just establish a specific niche for it. The challenge for the agency then was how to present Safeguard as a soap product of choice for majority of the Philippine populace. There is cutthroat competition in the Philippine market for personal care products such as bath soaps, with nearly 100 different products vying for consumer attention. The market research conducted by APMC showed that majority of the populace is poor, with the low and middle income class comprising ove r 70 per cent of the entire bath soap market. If APMC projects Safeguard as, say, a skin beauty soap, it would reach only the smaller 30 per cent of the market’s upper income bracket which consists mostly of young women. This has been the narrow and limited market niche of soaps like Dove and Ivory, which is made up of women aged 16 to 40, with high school and college education and gainfully employed.

Analysis of John Updikes A&P Short Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Analysis of John Updikes A&P Short Story - Essay Example The character of Sammy in the story is replete with ironical undercurrents and a sarcastic and mocking tone towards the things. Sammy who serves as a young checkout clerk at an A&P store though being hateful of a lot of his colleagues and superiors, in a way is ironically subservient to the same sense of compliance and duty. During his cynical and intense monologue, Sammy evinces a more than average dejection for Stokesie, who is from a middle class background, married and merely aspires to crawl high up the corporate ladder or the traditionalist like Lengel, who is happy bidding his time haggling about a cabbage lot or festering behind the confines of his office door. However, the readers could discernibly identify the verbal irony inherent in Sammy’s monologue in the sense that Sammy is himself serving as an ordinary checkout clerk at the A&P story, a plight that he vehemently abhors and detests in his colleagues and superiors. Hence, in a way, one could see that there is a wide gap between what Sammy says what he actually means and what he is really doing at the store. Sammy’s monologue in the short story A&P also depicts ample inherent verbal irony in his attitude towards the young girls in the bathing suit. One could amply discern that the girls do unleash the suppressed bestiality and savageness in young Sammy’s consciousness (Greiner 93). When the leader of their group, Queenie comes to Sammy to pay for her shopping, Sammy blatantly ends up being a victim to indecorous reveries like touching Queenie’s breasts or cheeks. In fact, Sammy goes on to register that Queenie’s breasts are, â€Å"two perfect scoops of ice cream (Updike 313)†. The monologue going on in Sammy’s mind more than amply conveys to the readers that he harbors visible carnal feelings and a sense of lust towards the girls. The readers to a great extent assume that Sammy has an irreverent and indecorous attitude towards the girls in the bathing suits.

Slavery and Civil War Essay Example for Free

Slavery and Civil War Essay For a long time a controversy has existed amongst historians regarding slavery as a cause for the civil war. A large number of Northern writers agreed with President Said James Ford Rhodes that slavery was the singular cause of civil war and but for slavery there would have been no civil war at all. The annexation of new territories of Texas, Oregon and Mexico were the source of all trouble because whenever the question of entry of any state to the Union came up before the Congress, both Northern and Southern states tried their level best to ensure its entry as a free or slave state respectively. Wilmot Proviso might have exploded the situation but was again saved by the compromise of 1850. As someone rightly pointed, ‘the compromise of 1850 was merely a lull which foreshadowed the coming of a storm’. This situation was further provoked by the Kansas-Nebraska bill. It re-opened the question of slavery. One of the immediate of the passage of the bill was that a struggle started between the free and slave states over the control of Kansas. The Lecompton Constitution 1857, the Dred Scott decision 1857 were the later incidents that involved the slavery question and led to civil war. Right from the start of Civil War pressure had been exerted on Lincoln to declare the war as a crusade for the abolition of slavery. To win the support of the liberal opinion in Europe, Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Emancipation on September 22, 1862, in his capacity as Commander-in Chief of the Army. It was declared that ‘on the first day of January A. D 1863, all persons held as slaves within any state or designated part of a state the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free. ’ No doubt, the abolitionists were insulted, attacked and persecuted, but they carried on their activities. All these actions and reactions did arouse the conscience of the people and in the north they stood up to defend them. The Abolitionists followed different methods, which resulted in split of the organization. The extremist group known as Garr achieved their objective. The other group known as liberty Party Men; was composed of moderates and believed in constitutional methods. They wanted to get into the Congress, control the presidency and bring about the desired reforms. They put up candidate in the4 presidential election of 1840; though they could not get him elected. 13th Amendment also paved the way for civil war. It was not the same 13th Amendment that we have today but this amendment preceded the Civil War, was adopted in February 1861. This version was adopted for an utterly dissimilar purposeto guarantee the validity and perpetuity to the institution of slavery in the Southern slave states, rather than to abolish it. This amendment was aimed at to guarantee to preclude Civil War. But the opposite happened. Another factor that contributed toward the intensification of civil was black soldiers. In 1862, President Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation enabled for African Americans to recruit in the Union Army. There was an earlier desire on the part of the African-American to join the war, but were negated to enlist in the army due to the secession fear of the bordering states. However after the Proclamation hundred thousands of black soldiers joined the army and their number mounted to approximately 180,000. From the above discussion, we can conclude that it would be fully an erroneous view to hold that slavery was the sole cause of the civil war but it is right to conclude that for slavery there would have been no civil war.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Child Rights

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Child Rights Assignment one Discrimination of others can occur for a number of reasons, and to a number of different people. Individuals may be discriminated against obviously and deliberately, known as direct discrimination. People can also be discriminated against indirectly. Indirect discrimination comes about when specific actions or practices meant for all are inadequate for an individual, which can then cause discouraging effects (Equality law, no date). Children and adults with special educational needs (SEN) may be subject to discrimination as a result of their additional needs. Due to this, there are regulations, legislation and laws put in place to safeguard and protect individuals with SEN. Laws and legislation have moved forward and adapted over time to facilitate those concerned. One Act that became a turning point for children with SEN was the 1981 Education Act. Prior to this Mary Warnock published a report regarding mainstream and special schools and the education of children with SEN within them. Some of her recommendations became part of the 1981 Education Act, one of which being that children diagnosed with additional needs should be educated where and when it is appropriate within a mainstream setting, and so integration began. Integration then led to inclusion with several Acts and pieces of legislation following, for example, 1995 Disability Discrimination Act, 1997 Green Paper: Excellence for All Children and 2001 The Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs (Gibson and Blandford, 2005). Another piece of documentation is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); this gives rights to all children, additional need or not. The convention sets basic standards for children that should all be respected by the relevant government. Within this document there are fifty four articles summarising and clarifying these rights. These articles cover a range of topics, for example, Article 14: this is regarding a child’s right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Article 27: this outlines the right for every child to have an adequate standard of living which enables their physical, mental, moral, spiritual and social development, and Article 28: this states the right of the child to education, ensuring equal opportunities and access to education for all children (UNCRC, 1989). One convention regarding all with SEN is The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This document outlines the importance for people with SEN to be treated as equals and to benefit from their human rights, as a person without SEN would. Article 24 covers the subject of education. This reiterates the right of people with SEN to education, and to be able to achieve this right without discrimination. It also states that governments should ensure an inclusive education system (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2008). All of the above pieces of legislation and documentation are put in place to ensure a safe and healthy environment for those with SEN, and to ensure equal opportunities for all regarding all aspects of their life, whether it’s their education or having the chance to have your own views listened to. For the practitioners working with children, inclusive practice should be something they take their time to ensure is in place in their setting. The term inclusion has taken the place of integration, and is promoted or required within legislation in all EU countries (Evans Lunt, 2002). There are two models that outline the ways society view disabilities, these are the medical model of disability and the social model of disability. The medical model of disability sees disability as a problem that needs to be fixed or cured. This model depicts a negative image of disability because the emphasis is placed on the disability and not the individual needs of the child. On the other hand, the social model of disability empowers people with disabilities by recognising they have an equal right to be included within every part of society (Disabled world, 2010). This model highlights that it’s ‘the collective responsibility of society to make the environmental modifications necessary for the full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of social life’ (Disabled world, 2010). Rosenthal (2001, p385) writes that ‘inclusion is a process, not a fixed state. By inclusion we mean not only that pupils with SEN should wherever possible receive their education in a mainstream school, but that they should fully join with their peers in the curriculum and life of the school’. When Ofsted inspect a school, they look for educational inclusion. This entails a school having teaching and learning, triumphs, viewpoints and the well being of every child counting. This inclusive experience is expected with a wide range of groups of people, including those with SEN (Birnbaum, 2010). To ensure inclusion within a setting, practitioners must ensure all staff show respect for each child by treating them as an individual and taking note of their particular needs. When showing respect, and listening to the child, the likes and dislikes of the child should be acknowledged and taken on board when planning for that child. The practitioner’s ability to adapt the learning environment will help to empower the child. When adjusting practice it is important to remember the child’s preferences, appropriateness of the topic and how these are developed, to help their confidence and self-esteem to grow (Lodato Wilson, 2005). Westwood (2007, p.83) writes about three different circumstances needed to encourage and accommodate children with SEN and their interactions with others. These are, ‘the general attitude of the teacher and the peer group towards children with SEN must be as positive and accepting as possible, the environment should be arranged so that the child with a disability has the maximum opportunity to spend time socially involved in group or pair activities, during recess and during academic work in the classroom and the child needs to be taught the specific skills that may enhance social contact with peers’. An inclusive practice is an important part of education for all involved, and it begins with the practitioners, they must have a positive attitude towards SEN which should then be reflected within their setting. It is also fundamental for practitioners to highlight how they strive to promote inclusive practice with all parents, staff and professionals they may be working in partnership with. Within the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice there is a chapter that highlights the importance of parents working in partnership with practitioners. It emphasises the role parents play in their child’s education, and their involvement making decisions regarding their child, and what would be best for them (Green, 2003). Green (2003, p305) also writes, ‘if early years staff do not communicate with, ask questions of, and receive relevant information from, children’s parents, they will not be fully prepared to respond to children’s individual needs, identify potential points of crisis for them, or have the awareness to help them to cope with new or worrying situations’. As well as practitioners ensuring they have regular contact with parents, it is vital they make themselves approachable to parents. This will encourage the parent to communicate with the practitioner, and give them the confidence to do so. When working with children with additional needs, there may be a number of other professionals also involved with that child. There could be a physiotherapist, who may provide physical healing methods for a range of injuries or illnesses, the family may also be given some exercises to further the treatment (Behrens, 2013). A speech and language therapist could be required to carry out an assessment to identify any communication difficulty, to measure the degree of difficulty, to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the child, and to set some targets to work towards which would be discussed with the parents, and possibly other professionals (Wright, 1993). The child may visit a paediatrician at a local hospital, often referred by a GP (general practitioner). The paediatrician will speak with the parents and the child, where possible, and carry out necessary observations and assessments to gather all of the information needed to decipher the best possible actions for the child, an d make any further referrals if needed (Miall, Rudolf and Smith, 2012). It is important for practitioners to be aware of children having involvement with other professionals, and ensuring communication between the services is effective. Within all childcare settings a SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) must be in place. The SENCo role may differ slightly from setting to setting (Crowne, 2003). However, the SEN Code of Practice (DfE, 2001) highlighted some key responsibilities for the SENCo. They are: ‘ensuring liaison with parents and other professionals in respect of children with special educational needs, advising and supporting other practitioners in the setting, ensuring that appropriate Individual Educational Plans are in place and ensuring that relevant background information about individual children with special educational needs is collected, recorded and updated’. All practitioners should ensure the appropriate adaptations are carried out within their setting. Adaptations should be made in the environment, with the resources in use, and practitioners need to adapt their practice if needed, and display a positive attitude towards each child and their inclusion within the setting. Adjustments to the environment could include installing ramps or lifts, ensuring doors are wide enough for wheelchair access, varying toilet heights to facilitate all children, and table and seat height is adequate for all (Klein, Cook Richardson-Gibbs, 2001). The immediate nursery environment should also be adapted where necessary, ‘adapting the environment to suit their individual needs will help their progress’ (Beaver et al., 2001, p63). Reasonable adjustments should also be made with the resources within the setting. This could be ensuring that all activities are set up at a level that can be accessed by all children. Each practitioner also needs to consider that they know the strengths and areas of need for all children in their care, all activities should therefore further the strengths of children with additional needs, but are also challenging and able to enhance all of the children (Deiner, 2010). Another area for adjustment could also be the attitudes and perspective of the practitioners themselves, and although the activities and environment are important factors that should always be considered, each practitioner is a role model and their ‘behaviour toward children- acceptance, consideration and respect- speaks louder to the class than anything you deliberately set out to teach’ (Deiner, 2010, p.2). In conclusion, there are several entitlements and rights of children with SEN that must be met by the practitioners and professionals that care for them. These entitlements are highlighted within a number of legal documents and pieces of legislation. A key requirement within some of these documents is the definitive access to an inclusive education that will meet each individual child’s needs, including making reasonable adjustments and adaptations if required. Each practitioner should also ensure they cooperate fully with the families and work in partnership with them to deliver the highest quality childcare they possibly can. Reference List Beaver, M., Brewster, J., Jones, P., Keene, A., Neaum, S. Tallack, J. (2001) Babies and Young Children: Diploma in Child Care and Education. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd. Behrens, M. S. (2013) What is Physiotherapy? USA: Gilkie Publishing. Birnbaum, R. (2010) Choosing a School for a Child with Special Needs. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2008) Online. Available at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml (Accessed 21 October 2013). Crowne, E. (2003) Developing Inclusive Practice: The SENCO’s Role in Managing Change. Abingdon: David Fulton Publishers. Deiner, P. (2010) Inclusive Early Childhood Education: Development, Resources, and Practice. 5th edn. Belmont: Wadsworth, CENGAGE Learning. DfE (Department for Education) (2001) SEN Code of Practice. Online. Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151715/https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DfES%200581%20200mig2228.pdf (Accessed 7 January 2014). Disabled world (2010) Definitions of the Models of Disability. Online. Available at: http://www.disabled-world.com/definitions/disability-models.php (Accessed 27 November 2013). Equality Law (no date) Promoting Equality, Preventing Discrimination. Online. Available at: http://www.equality-law.co.uk/news/106/66/Types-of-discrimination-definitions/ (Accessed 16 October 2013). Evans, J. Lunt, I. (2002) ‘Inclusive education: are there limits?’, European Journal of Special Needs Education, 17 (1), pp.1-14. Gibson, S. Blandford, S. (2005) Managing Special Educational Needs. London: Paul Chapman Publishing. Green, S. (2003) BTEC First Early Years, 2nd edn. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd. Klein, M.D., Cook, R.E. Richardson-Gibbs, A.M. (2001) Strategies for Including Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings. Albany: Delmar, Thomson Learning. Lodato Wilson, G. (2005) ‘Promoting competency, independence, and self-advocacy’, in Schwartz, D. (eds) Including children with special needs. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group, pp. 257-270. Miall, L., Rudolf, M. Smith D. (2012) Paediatrics at a Glance, 3rd edn. West Sussex: John Wiley Sons Ltd. Rosenthal, H. (2001) ‘Discussion paper- Working Towards Inclusion: â€Å"I am another other†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢, Educational Psychology in Practice, 17(4), pp.385-392. UNCRC (The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) (1989) Online. Available at: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CRC.aspx (Accessed 21 October 2013). Westwood, P. (2007) Commonsense methods for children with special educational needs, 5th edn. Oxon: Routledge. Wright, J.A. (1993) ‘Assessment of Children with Special Needs’, in Beech, J.R., Harding, L. Hilton-Jones, D. (eds) Assessment in Speech and Language Therapy. London: Routledge, pp. 128-148.

The Static Character in Homer’s Odyssey Essay -- Homer Odyssey Essays

The Static Character in Homer’s Odyssey The Odyssey, by Homer, translated by W.H.D. Rouse (between 900 and 700 BC.) is "The best story ever written" (7). This is a story about a man named Odysseus Laertiades who went off to war. After winning the war, he and his men were heading home when their ship got off track. They ended up in the land of the Cyclops. They were held captive by a god's, Poseidon Earthholder, son. Odysseus came up with a plan to get out of there which involved poking the Cyclops' eye out. The Earthholder got mad and vowed Odysseus and his men would not make it back home to Ithaca. If Odysseus was to make it home, he was to arrive "There late and in misery, in another man's ship, ' lose all his companions, and ' find tribulation at home" (111). With the help of the gods, Odysseus finally does make it home, late, alone, and on another man's ship. He arrives there to find trouble in his house. In The Odyssey, the main character, Odysseus Laertiades is a static character; he doesn't change throughout the boo k. Yet Homer still retains the readers interests by the situations Odysseus finds himself in, how he always finds a unique way out, and how he triumphs in the end. Odysseus finds himself in many strange and difficult situations. One of the strange and difficult situations Odysseus finds himself at is the land of the Cyclops. Odysseus had taken twelve of his men to explore the island. They found a cave and decide to stay there until the Cyclops who lived there returned. The Cyclops returned and "Picked up a huge great stone and placed it in the doorway," so the men couldn?t escape (104). "The cruel monster? reached out toward my men, grabbed two like a pair of puppies and dashed them on the ground?. Then h... ...ss than a day. Odysseus finally met his son Telemachos, and the both fought to kill the men who wanted to marry Odysseus' wife. "Telemachos slung on his sharp sword, and grasped his spear, and took his stand by the seat, the son armed by his father's side" (242). They killed all the men who were eating up Odysseus' wealth. Odysseus finally met his wife and father after twenty years of being away. The Odyssey, by Homer, is good even though the main character, Odysseus, is a static character. In most good books, the reason they are good is because the main character changes. Homer manages to write a good book, even though the main character doesn't change, by the situations Odysseus finds himself in, how he always finds a unique way out, and how he triumphs in the end. Works Cited Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Rouse, W.H.D.. New York: New American Library, 1937.

The Existence of a Monopoly and Public Interest Essay -- Monopolies Ec

The Existence of a Monopoly and Public Interest A monopoly is defined as the sole supplier of a good or service with no close substitutes in a given price range. A pure monopoly will therefore have a 100% market share i.e. the firm is the industry. They exist and can only remain as monopolies if there are high barriers to entry to the industry. In the case of a natural monopoly, economies of scale are so large that any new entrant would find it impossible to match the costs and prices of the established firm in the industry. Other barriers to entry include legal barriers such as patents, natural cost advantages such as ownership of all key sites in the industry, marketing barriers such as advertising, and restrictive practises designed to force any competition to leave the market. In this market structure it is also assumed profits are maximised and there is consumer rationality. Traditionally monopoly is thought to be a potentially harmful market structure with unwelcome consequences for the consumer and the economy. Competition has always therefore been seen to be desirable. It could be said therefore to be against the public interest. However there are arguments not only against monopolies but also for their existence. One of the main arguments against monopolies is that they raise prices, restrict output and therefore exploit consumers. This is because the neo-classical theory of the firm assumes that a monopolist will maximise profits which means it will produce where MC=MR. The equilibrium profit maximising level of output will therefore be where MC-MR. This is shown below: The diagram above shows the firm will produce the quantity Qe and will charge the price Pe. As the monopolist above is... ...s to large firms in the economy. Should it split them up or promote such firms. Competition policy therefore reflects the attitude towards monopoly. At the moment the UK has a pragmatic approach where monopoly can be good or bad. I t uses the monopolies and mergers commission to use a case-by-case approach. Competition policy is a government policy to influence the degree of competition in individual markets within the economy. Governments can also attempt to correct market failure caused by monopolies by taxing supernormal profit away, set maximum price levels, subsidise production, nationalise the industry, break it up or reduce entry barriers. In the past economists have generally come out against monopolies and in favour of competitive markets. However, this is clearly not conclusive as monopolies have many potential advantages and disadvantages. The Existence of a Monopoly and Public Interest Essay -- Monopolies Ec The Existence of a Monopoly and Public Interest A monopoly is defined as the sole supplier of a good or service with no close substitutes in a given price range. A pure monopoly will therefore have a 100% market share i.e. the firm is the industry. They exist and can only remain as monopolies if there are high barriers to entry to the industry. In the case of a natural monopoly, economies of scale are so large that any new entrant would find it impossible to match the costs and prices of the established firm in the industry. Other barriers to entry include legal barriers such as patents, natural cost advantages such as ownership of all key sites in the industry, marketing barriers such as advertising, and restrictive practises designed to force any competition to leave the market. In this market structure it is also assumed profits are maximised and there is consumer rationality. Traditionally monopoly is thought to be a potentially harmful market structure with unwelcome consequences for the consumer and the economy. Competition has always therefore been seen to be desirable. It could be said therefore to be against the public interest. However there are arguments not only against monopolies but also for their existence. One of the main arguments against monopolies is that they raise prices, restrict output and therefore exploit consumers. This is because the neo-classical theory of the firm assumes that a monopolist will maximise profits which means it will produce where MC=MR. The equilibrium profit maximising level of output will therefore be where MC-MR. This is shown below: The diagram above shows the firm will produce the quantity Qe and will charge the price Pe. As the monopolist above is... ...s to large firms in the economy. Should it split them up or promote such firms. Competition policy therefore reflects the attitude towards monopoly. At the moment the UK has a pragmatic approach where monopoly can be good or bad. I t uses the monopolies and mergers commission to use a case-by-case approach. Competition policy is a government policy to influence the degree of competition in individual markets within the economy. Governments can also attempt to correct market failure caused by monopolies by taxing supernormal profit away, set maximum price levels, subsidise production, nationalise the industry, break it up or reduce entry barriers. In the past economists have generally come out against monopolies and in favour of competitive markets. However, this is clearly not conclusive as monopolies have many potential advantages and disadvantages.